Acceptable documents to bring to passport control include a birth or adoption certificate, divorce or marriage certificates or a letter from the child’s parent or social worker giving their permission for the child to travel.

Gilead refers to the authoritarian Republic of Gilead in novel The Handmaid’s Tale, which has replaced what was once the United States of America.

‘Wholly unacceptable’

The Plaid Cymru MP for Arfon called the Home Office’s request “wholly unacceptable”.

“Having different surnames is not some bureaucratic problem.

“My wife is Davies- she's not an add-on to me. My children are Hywel - a pattern becoming more common in Wales as we shed practices enforced on our culture during industrialization.”

Following the criticism of the tweet, the Home Office followed it up with a statement on Twitter.

“We have a duty to safeguard children and to prevent people trafficking, child sexual exploitation and other crimes committed against children.

“That is why Border Force staff need to be content that the adult travelling with the child has parental responsibility or parental authority has been given to travel with the child.

“We aim to do this quickly and with as minimal disruption to passengers as possible.

“Having birth or adoption certificates available when travelling through the border can help speed up this process.”

We have a duty to safeguard children and to prevent people trafficking, child sexual exploitation and other crimes. That is why Border Force officers sometimes need to ask additional questions. More information: https://t.co/VuGbRJn8DIpic.twitter.com/dMd0Uvk7zJ